Mold...The Toxic Top Five

What are the 5 MOST TOXIC TYPES of MOLD?

Stachybotrys
Stachybotrys is the bad boy of them all.

There are some species in the Aspergillus family that are just as toxic as Stachybotrys such as Aspergillus Versicolor and Aspergillus Fumigatus.
The toxins produced can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It is reported to be a kidney and liver carcinogen.

Aspergillus Fumigatus is one of the most ubiquitous of the airborne saprophytic fungi. Humans and animals constantly inhale numerous conidia of this fungus. However, there has been a dramatic increase in severe and usually fatal invasive aspergillosis, now the most common mold infection worldwide.

But when people talk about toxic black mold, Stachy is the one they're talking about.

Penicillium/Aspergillus
Both of these types of mold are ubiquitous in the environment. Aspergillus tends to colonize continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and fabrics. Penicillium is commonly found in house dust, wallpaper, decaying fabrics, moist clipboards, etc.

Chaetomium
Unlike most other mold pathogens, there is medical evidence to suggest that people who are exposed to Chaetomium may be predisposed to permanent neurological damage of the myelin sheath. Therefore, a noticeably high incidence of autoimmune diseases have been linked to exposure of this mold such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, etc. It has also been linked to certain forms of Cancer.

On a scale of worst to more mild in effects on human health, contrary to what many believe; Chaetomium would be second or possibly third to Aspergillus only to Stachybotrys.

Ascospores
Ascospores are prominent in nature commonly found in the outdoor environment. Some fungi that belong to the Ascomycete family include the sexual forms of Penicillium/Aspergillus, Chaetominum, etc that may be frequently found growing on damp substrates.

Fusarium
Fusarium is a hydrophilic mold that requires very wet conditions and is frequently isolated from plants and grains. They colonize in continuously damp materials such as damp wallboard and water reservoirs for humidifiers and drip pans.

People who have trauma to the eye, certain eye diseases and problems with their immune system may be at increased risk for these types of infection.


Symptoms of exposure to mycotoxins include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, irritated eyes or throat, skin rash and diarrhea.

Concerns relating to the presence of mold in the home or dwelling requires an independent, 3rd Party, Certified Residential Mold Inspector to conduct a thorough site assessment. Turtle Clan will take the necessary and appropriate actions to assure proper IESO, IAQA, ACGIH, IICRC, ISO, NADCA, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA, AIHA and all State and local governmental protocol is followed in all investigations.